fox hunt: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumFormal, Historical, Sporting, sometimes Metaphorical
Quick answer
What does “fox hunt” mean?
The traditional practice, typically in the UK, of pursuing and killing a fox with a pack of hounds, followed by riders on horseback.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The traditional practice, typically in the UK, of pursuing and killing a fox with a pack of hounds, followed by riders on horseback.
Any organized search for a fox with intent to kill it. By metaphorical extension, a determined search or pursuit for a person or thing, especially one perceived as evasive or cunning.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the term is highly specific, referring to a historic and culturally loaded activity, largely banned since 2004. In the US, it refers more generally to the sport of fox hunting (legal in many states) and is less culturally central. The compound noun is more common in the UK; in US, 'foxhunting' (one word) is also used.
Connotations
UK: Strong class associations (upper-class/aristocratic pastime), significant political/ethical controversy. US: Generally viewed as a niche equestrian/sporting activity without the same intense class-political baggage.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English due to cultural and legal history. In US English, it's a more specialized term.
Grammar
How to Use “fox hunt” in a Sentence
[Subject] went on a fox hunt.They organised a fox hunt [for the weekend].The controversy surrounds the practice of fox hunting.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fox hunt” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They used to fox-hunt across these fields every winter.
- Fox-hunting has been largely outlawed.
American English
- They foxhunt in Virginia during the season.
- He foxhunts with the local club.
adjective
British English
- He comes from a fox-hunting family.
- The fox-hunting ban was a major political issue.
American English
- She bought a foxhunting saddle.
- They attended the foxhunting meet.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphor for an aggressive, targeted search for information or a culprit, e.g., 'The audit turned into a regulatory fox hunt.'
Academic
Historical/sociological studies of rural Britain, animal rights discourse, cultural studies.
Everyday
Discussion of rural pastimes, history, or used metaphorically for any intense search.
Technical
Equestrian sports terminology; legal contexts regarding the Hunting Act 2004 (UK).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fox hunt”
- Using 'fox hunting' to mean simply 'looking for something' in formal contexts where it sounds overly dramatic or odd. Confusing it with 'fox trot' (a dance).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In the United Kingdom, hunting foxes with dogs was banned by the Hunting Act 2004, though modified forms like 'trail hunting' exist. It remains legal under specific regulations in parts of the United States, Ireland, and other countries.
Yes, it's commonly used to describe any intense, determined pursuit of a person, piece of information, or objective, often implying the target is evasive.
They are largely interchangeable. 'Fox hunt' often refers to a specific event, while 'foxhunting' (one word) is more commonly used as the name of the sport or activity, especially in American English.
It is seen as a symbol of class privilege, opposed on animal welfare grounds, and was the subject of a long and bitter political campaign leading to the 2004 ban, making it a culturally and politically charged term.
The traditional practice, typically in the UK, of pursuing and killing a fox with a pack of hounds, followed by riders on horseback.
Fox hunt is usually formal, historical, sporting, sometimes metaphorical in register.
Fox hunt: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɒks hʌnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɑːks hʌnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's like a fox hunt in here. (chaotic pursuit)”
- “He's on a fox hunt for the truth. (determined, searching investigation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the FOX being HUNTed by riders in red coats — a vivid, traditional image.
Conceptual Metaphor
INVESTIGATION/SEARCH IS A HUNT; TARGET IS PREY
Practice
Quiz
In which country is 'fox hunt' a term loaded with significant class and political controversy?